Devices, systems and methods for treating pain with electrical stimulation
First Claim
1. A method of delivering electrical stimulation to a patient using a device comprising a housing, a conductive surface disposed on an outer surface of the housing, and an electrode that is repositionable with respect to the housing, the method comprising:
- in a programmable processor disposed within the housing, generating stimulation control signals based on waveform information received in the processor;
in a signal generator disposed within the housing, receiving the stimulation control signals and generating corresponding electrical stimulation waveforms, the signal generator comprising a first signal line and a second signal line;
contacting a surface of the electrode and the conductive surface to the patient, the conductive surface in electrical communication with the first signal line of the signal generator;
moving the electrode between a first position that is not in electrical communication with the second signal line and a second position that is in electrical communication with the second signal line; and
transmitting the electrical stimulation waveforms through the electrode to a nerve beneath the patient'"'"'s skin when the electrode is in the second position.
10 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating migraine headaches and other conditions by non-invasive electrical stimulation of nerves and other tissue. A hand-held device includes a housing with a controller having a signal generator, an electrode for delivering electrical signals, and a conductive surface configured as a return path for the electrical signals. In certain implementations, the electrode is repositionable with respect to the housing. The patient can self-apply the hand-held device by pressing it against areas in need of pain relief. The device may include a pressure-sensitive gating switch to control delivery of the stimulation therapy. In certain embodiments, the electrode is a rollerball electrode. The device may include a chamber for retaining and dispensing conductive gel to the therapy site. In certain approaches, the device includes an electrode support for coupling an electrical stimulation system to the head for hands-free electrical stimulation therapy.
36 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of delivering electrical stimulation to a patient using a device comprising a housing, a conductive surface disposed on an outer surface of the housing, and an electrode that is repositionable with respect to the housing, the method comprising:
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in a programmable processor disposed within the housing, generating stimulation control signals based on waveform information received in the processor; in a signal generator disposed within the housing, receiving the stimulation control signals and generating corresponding electrical stimulation waveforms, the signal generator comprising a first signal line and a second signal line; contacting a surface of the electrode and the conductive surface to the patient, the conductive surface in electrical communication with the first signal line of the signal generator; moving the electrode between a first position that is not in electrical communication with the second signal line and a second position that is in electrical communication with the second signal line; and transmitting the electrical stimulation waveforms through the electrode to a nerve beneath the patient'"'"'s skin when the electrode is in the second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of treating a headache, comprising:
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positioning a first electrode on skin at a location near a patient'"'"'s occipital nerve; electrically coupling the first electrode to a second electrode; applying pressure to the first electrode, wherein the first electrode translates along an axis to complete an electrical communication path with a signal generator; and delivering current through the first electrode to thereby stimulate the occipital nerve. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification